Halloween Horror-Fest 2011

Since I received such a great response from everyone, I decided to move it to The Unsound for ease of tracking. I've taken note of everyone's suggestions, and will start my Horrorthon immediately. Since I've not seen a single one of the movies so far suggested, I'll list a brief review of each one as I watch them. I certainly wish I could contribute as many as everyone else has, but since I'm obviously a cinematic idiot when it comes to the horror genre, I don't have a lot. The few non-mainstream movies that I have seen aren't exactly 'Horror' in the classic sense. I tend to watch more of the independent thriller/creepy/disturbing movies or the violent/twisted dark comedy movies. Some were good, others were just terrible.

I've decided instead of individually assigning a movie to each contributor, I'll list the few noteworthy movies that I've seen, and continue my quest for the movie that will actually have a lasting impact on me.

With that all said, here is my short list of some of the movies I've seen that you may have missed.

Fido (Dark, funny and somewhat violent zombie movie)

The Evil Dead (Yeah, yeah, everyone has seen this. If you haven't, WATCH IT)

Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (Another dark/funny movie. Mockumentary of a serial killer, and a must see. Note: One of the greatest songs ever during the closing credits)

11:14 (More of a weird movie with twists than a scary movie. Reminded me of Crash)

Population 436 (This is more creepy than anything. Not violent or gory. No jumpy parts. Also, I like Jeremy Sisto)

Ed Gein: The Butcher of Plainfield (Based on the real life inspiration for Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Good violent slasher type flick, if not a bit cheesy)

Audition (Foreign - Japanese with English subtitles. Creepy and very disturbing.)


Now - Check back on this from time to time as I update it.

Edit:

First movie finished: Halloween (1978)

First I have to say how embarrassed I am that I'd never seen this film. It is obviously the pioneer film that spawned the slasher genre that was so popular in the 80's. I've seen all of the Nightmare on Elm Street films, and a few of the Friday the 13th films, but this was one set of movies I never checked out. I suppose what was so intriguing, was the lack of gore in this movie. Trying to put myself into the time when this was released, this had to be a terrifying film. Today we are almost desensitized by the copious amounts of blood that seem to almost be necessary to make a horror film. Where John Carpenter put this all on the viewer's imagination. Will I be having nightmares tonight? Unlikely. Did I enjoy this movie? Every second of it. Much like some of the other classic horror films I've seen recently, I can appreciate the affect the film has on today's culture, and forgive shaky acting, special effects and dialogue. All in all, a movie I'd had on my list for a while, and I'm glad I finally saw it. Thanks Mark!


Second movie finished: Hostel (2005)

I remember when this came out, and it didn't look like anything I would have much interest in. I figured it to be similar to the Saw movies, and in some ways it was. There were a few pleasant surprises, however. First, I noticed that Quentin Tarantino was an executive producer. Second, I noticed a cameo from one of my favorite horror filmmakers, Takashi Miike. The film itself contained very few surprises, tons of gore, and for the first 30 minutes or so I thought I was accidentally watching a late night Cinemax feature. All of which are a recipe for a great horror flick. Definitely not a movie that will make you think too hard, but satisfying enough in the end. Thanks for the suggestion, Annie (though I know you'll never watch it!). On to another Tarantino movie...

Third movie finished: Grindhouse - Death Proof (2007)

Only after having finished watching Death Proof, did I remember seeing the trailers to Grindhouse, but mostly only remembering the previews for Planet Terror. I suppose I didn't realize these were separate movies. Death Proof was the second part of Grindhouse, and a full 2 hour movie in itself (well, the extended version was). I don't think I've seen a Quentin Tarantino movie I haven't liked, and this was no exception. This movie had plenty blood, violence, subtle humor and action. I liked the dark feel, and as is always the case with Tarantino, the music selection. Not as many intense moments as the last movie I watched, but more than enjoyable. Thanks for bringing this movie to my attention, Sonja!

Fourth movie finished: Battle Royale (2000)

Yet another film I hadn't heard of. This was actually a great movie. I'm finding out lately that I really enjoy foreign movies with English subtitles. This movie was violent, bloody and had tons of action. The storyline was interesting, and was dark enough to keep my interest throughout the movie. Battle Royale came out in 2000, but I kept thinking I've seen a similar movie more recently. I would probably classify this closer to a thriller, but it definitely had a bit of a creepy factor to it. I'm actually looking at perhaps watching the sequel; something I rarely do. All in all, I feel like my time was well spent on this one. Thanks Lily, great suggestion!

Fifth and final movie finished: Night of the Living Dead (1968)

The final movie suggestion was a George Romero film. I opted for the original Night of the Living Dead. I can't believe I hadn't seen this movie either! Knowing this film was made in 1968, I didn't expect it to be overly gory, but I was actually surprised that a few of the scenes were a bit violent (for that time, anyways). Much like with Halloween, I tried to put myself back in the time this movie was made, and feel how terrifying it must have been when it was released. I've decided this is another series of movies that I will be watching the sequels. I certainly appreciate the recommendation, Diana.

I want to thank everyone for their input. You've certainly brought some great movies to my attention that I either wouldn't have seen, or have been putting off for a while.